Design and implementation of an interface control unit for rapid prototyping

A major difficulty in rapid prototyping is the interconnection of processors with tailored networks to implement systems. This difficulty may be alleviated by utilizing a standardized processor-to-processor interface. This paper describes an interface control unit (ICU) VLSI circuit which uses a `standard´ communication interface to implement signal processing systems. The ICU comprises queuing structures, communication channel interfaces, a processor interface, and a control interface. Communication protocols are described for interfaces between the ICU and communication channels, the processor, and the control unit. Based on these protocols, a digital design has been completed which is described. The chip will be fabricated using 0.6 micron CMOS technology